‘American Idol’ Renewed For Season 2 By ABC, Judges & Host Ryan Seacrest Set To Return
May 4, 2018
‘American Idol’ Renewed For Season 2 By ABC, Judges & Host Ryan Seacrest Set To Return
ABC has ordered a second season of hit singing competition series American Idol, with Ryan Seacrest and judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie set to return.
The American Idol revival has been a strong ratings draw in its first season on ABC, finishing as Sunday’s No. 1 entertainment broadcast series on each of its 8 telecasts this season in Live + Same Day Adults 18-49. On average, the series ranks No. 1 in its 2-hour slot with Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34, across all key Women (W18-34/W18-49/W25-54) and Teens 12-17.
“We knew that American Idol on ABC would unleash an opportunity for singers from all walks of life to realize their dreams and that these incredible contestants would have America rooting for their success,” said Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment. “I am thrilled that Katy, Luke, Lionel and Ryan will be back to once again embark on this Idol journey with us to discover the next crop of inspiring talent.”
ABC’s pickup of the singing competition ended a long saga of getting American Idol back on TV when the network closed a deal last year with FremantleMedia North America and CORE Media Group’s 19 Entertainment for a revival, two seasons after it ended its 15-season run on Fox. The series was a phenomenon when it debuted and was the highest-rated series on television for nearly a decade.
“’American Idol’’s return on ABC has shown once again that viewers love to discover and support raw talent,” said Trish Kinane, president of Entertainment Programming, FremantleMedia North America, executive producer and showrunner of “American Idol.” “Our new judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie have brought huge credibility, energy and fun to the show this year, and we are so excited to continue the journey with Ryan Seacrest at the helm in the search for the next superstar.”
Dennis Miller, executive chairman of CORE Media Group, added, “Our team is incredibly proud of the success we have had with ‘American Idol’ on ABC, and we are excited to search for more talent nationwide with a second season. We look forward to furthering our relationship with the network, our partners at FremantleMedia, Luke, Katy, Lionel, Ryan, and all those who audition to become the next American Idol as we continue to entertain fans with incredible performances week after week!”
The top 7 finalists take the stage this Sunday in the live coast-to-coast broadcast at 8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT/7:00-9:00 p.m. CDT/5:00-7:00 p.m. PDT. (The episode will be rebroadcast for the West Coast at 8:00-10:00 p.m. PDT).